Addis Ababa, April 1, 2025 (ENA) --- Coordinated continental efforts in climate actions are critical for Africa, Jolly Wasambo, African Union Commission (AUC) Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications Program Coordinator said. According to him, most African countries are engaged in nature-based climate actions. "In Ethiopia, you have got this Green Legacy, a green revolution initiative, where you are planting billions of trees...The Ethiopian green revolution is very critical in order to ensure that we address issues of desertification as well as getting the issues of carbon sequestration," the coordinator stated. Other countries have got also their own initiatives, he noted, adding "why don't we come together as a continent to say, 'this is done in Ethiopia, this is done in Tanzania, this is done in Burkina Faso.'" Wasambo believes that Africans should come together and then try to bring coordination among nations so that they can share in experiences; so that they can also share best practices, and then help one another to do it together. The coordinator further noted that there is the Great Green Wall Framework and Strategy developed by the African Union. "We have now the Great Green Wall Framework and Strategy, which AU has come up with, that is basically aimed at bringing these countries together in that area to ensure that they become sure this will be done as we move ahead." In this regard, reliable and timely climate information is crucial in providing them with information and services which is usable, timely and reliable and that can contribute to social economic development of countries as well as the continent, he elaborated. The African Union Commission is best positioned to coordinate these efforts, Wasambo asserted. "As far as Africa is concerned, AUC is the organization to do this, and it is doing this in various sectors,” he said, stating that it is, for instance, the commission that is bringing together member states in forestry areas and sustainable blue economy management. Furthermore, the coordinator called for a collaborative approach to leverage existing initiatives and innovations like the Green Legacy in Ethiopia and other initiatives. "What is needed most is that as we do this, we have also to open our eyes. What are the other new initiatives, what are the other new innovations?” Under the ClimSA program, he stated that the AUC is focused on enhancing the capacity of member states to generate and utilize reliable climate information. "In order to do that, we need to have reliable and timely climate information upon which our policy makers can base their decisions, as well as the users of that information can use in order to improve their economic development as well as their livelihoods in their various countries.” The program aims to address data gaps by utilizing space-based technologies and providing infrastructure and training to member states. "We need to strengthen the capacities of national metrological and hydrological services, because these are the ones that produce weather and climate information, which every sector can use," Wasambo elaborated. The coordinator pointed out that Integrated African Strategic Meteorology, Weather and Climate Services, was adopted in 2022. The strategy is a blueprint guiding the continent on how it can generate information.

Addis Ababa, March 30, 2025 (ENA)— The genetic diversity of the world’s plants and forests is under threat, new reports published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warned. The report stresses that empowering farmers, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and scientists to conserve and use genetic resources is key to resilient agrifood systems. According to the report, this risk is posing a significant risk to global food security and environmental stability, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect genetic resources crucial for sustaining agrifood systems in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss. The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources reveal alarming trends, including the disappearance of more than 40 percent of surveyed plant taxa from their natural or cultivated habitats and the endangerment of nearly one-third of tree species. The Growing Threat to Plant Genetic Diversity Plant genetic resources encompass the genetic material of both domesticated and wild plant species that hold value for food, agriculture, and other industries, including medicine and fiber production. These resources are vital for ensuring crop resilience, adapting to environmental changes, and preserving traditional agricultural practices, particularly among Indigenous and small-scale farmers. FAO’s Third Report highlights concerning losses in plant diversity while also noting some progress in conservation efforts. Since 2009, the preservation of plant materials in germplasm collections has increased by eight percent, ensuring that crucial genetic resources remain available for future breeding programs. Additionally, the global seed market has expanded significantly, growing from $36 billion in 2007 to over $50 billion in 2020. Improvements in seed systems, particularly in developing countries, have facilitated farmers’ access to diverse and suitable crop varieties. However, challenges remain, as progress in conservation and sustainable use has been uneven. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu underscored the urgency of these efforts, stating, “Strengthening the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources is not just an agricultural priority – it is a fundamental necessity for ensuring a more sustainable, resilient and food-secure future for all.”   Forest Genetic Resources: A Critical But Overlooked Issue The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources presents a similarly stark picture for the world’s trees and woody plants. With approximately 58,000 tree species globally, along with 1,600 woody bamboo species and 500 rattans (climbing palms), forests play a crucial role in ecological balance and human livelihoods. Yet, about 30 percent of tree species are now threatened, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. While the availability of information on forest genetic resources has improved over the past decade, the report notes that many species remain inadequately studied, hindering conservation efforts. Around two-thirds of countries maintain national inventories of forest genetic resources, with more than 2,800 tree and woody plant species reported. Of these, nearly 1,800 have been genetically characterized, while approximately 1,400 and 1,100 species are included in in situ (natural habitat) and ex situ (seed banks and botanical gardens) conservation programs, respectively. However, deforestation, climate change, wildfires, pests, and invasive species continue to threaten tree diversity. Although widely distributed tree species retain much of their genetic diversity, rare and threatened species have already lost significant portions of their genetic variation. Moreover, shortages in tree seeds and other reproductive materials pose challenges for reforestation efforts and the global target of increasing forest area by three percent by 2030. Despite the vital role of forest genetic resources in sustainable development, FAO warns that international awareness remains low, necessitating stronger commitments to conservation initiatives. “Investing in forest genetic resources and managing them sustainably will enable the adaptation of the world’s forests to climate change while also increasing productivity and developing new products; it will help safeguard human well-being and maintain forest health,” QU Dongyu stated in the report’s foreword.   Urgent Action Needed to Safeguard Genetic Diversity The publication of these reports coincided with the 20th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, where governments and non-state actors discussed strategies to protect and promote genetic diversity in agrifood systems. Both reports call for the full implementation of global conservation plans, including the Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources. Additionally, strengthening human and institutional capacities, enhancing research, and promoting sustainable management practices are critical to addressing these challenges. With food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience at stake, the FAO urges immediate action to prevent further loss of plant and forest genetic resources. Without decisive measures, the world risks undermining the very foundations of its agrifood systems and natural ecosystems.

Addis Ababa, March 28, 2025 (ENA) --- Ethiopia plans to promote its Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) as a model for regional environmental change, leveraging its positive impacts across Africa through policy measures. GLI Technical Committee Chairman Adefris Worku stated the initiative has significantly improved Ethiopia's environmental image and bolstered climate change mitigation efforts. In an interview with ENA during the celebration of the 14th International Day of Forests in Addis Ababa, under the theme "Forests and Food", he emphasized that the initiative aims to achieve goals including maximizing the country’s national green coverage and raise active participation of the society in the national reforestation campaigns. He emphasized that Ethiopia is making notable progress in recovering and rehabilitating degraded land, with the ultimate aim of transforming it into fertile ground suitable for farming, grazing, the maintenance of healthy watersheds, and forest restoration. The initiative is working toward becoming carbon marketable, positioning it as a viable alternative for job creation in the rapidly growing green economy, he stated. The protection of sustainable forests and natural resources has garnered significant attention from Ethiopia’s top political leadership, Adefris noted, adding that various institutions are collaborating closely to achieve shared objectives, including establishing a greener nation and contributing to environmental sustainability across the African continent. “The agroforestry schemes led by the Green Legacy Initiative have provided valuable opportunities in timber production, wild honey, wild spices, frankincense, myrrh, gum, and have created a market value chain,” Adefris remarked. He also acknowledged the government's substantial efforts to foster collaboration among various ministries, the Ethiopian Forest Development Commission, and other governmental institutions, in partnership with development organizations, which has already yielded successful outcomes. Adefris also pointed out, “ the initiative has not only improved Ethiopia's image but has also provided valuable lessons to international delegates, such as those from Kenya and Saudi Arabia, who have adopted Ethiopia’s best practices. Moreover, Ethiopia has started to influence discussions on climate change and related issues, such as climate finance, desertification, and the development of arid regions.” Having thoroughly assessed the results of the reforestation efforts, he revealed that numerous investors have shown strong interest in Ethiopia’s forestry sector, particularly in commercial forests, with many beginning formal negotiations with government entities. “The Green Legacy Initiative has not only contributed to enhancing food security through initiatives like the ‘Bounty of Basket’ program and agricultural development but has also sparked a transformation in society's attitude toward environmental nationalism, especially among the youth and children,” he underscored. .

Addis Ababa, March 28, 2025 (ENA) --- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for designing, consulting, and building consulting a green headquarters and a laboratory for the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority. The Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority, Ethiopian Engineering Corporation, and the Construction Management Institute signed the agreement. The green headquarters and laboratory is expected to enhance the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority's monitoring, research, and regulatory opportunities, which are vital for environmental sustainability in the country. The headquarters will also create a modern working environment for the expanding team and improve collaboration in tackling environmental issues. The advanced laboratory facilities would boost the authority's capacity to perform environmental analyses, monitor pollution, evaluate development impacts, and provide essential scientific data for policymaking. Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority Director-General Lellise Neme said the green headquarters and laboratory will help the authority attain its goals. On his part, Ethiopian Engineering Corporation CEO, Shimelis Eshetu, confirmed that the corporation will utilize its experience in large infrastructure projects for building the headquarters. Construction Management Institute Director-General, Tamrat Mulu, stated that the institute will play a vital role in ensuring the efficient and effective execution of the project. The MoU details the responsibilities of the 3 organizations as they plan and implement the project, which aligns with Ethiopia's commitment to sustainable development and resource management.